[October 2022 Update] It’s no secret that the workplace has changed drastically over the years. From cubicles to open-plan layouts, businesses are always on the lookout for interior design trends that boost productivity. But this focus has resulted in office layouts that don’t necessarily focus on workplace wellness, instead opting for efficiency as a means to success.
As the driving force behind your business, your employees’ morale is an integral element in business performance. When they feel stifled by the office layout, they will likely become dissatisfied with their work. Productivity will drop, resulting in late submissions and delayed timelines. Even more so, as employee morale worsens, turnover rates will start to rise. So what can businesses do to prevent this?
One solution is to focus on workplace wellness. This involves creating a work environment that promotes healthy habits and positive attitudes towards work. Implementing workplace wellness can have a variety of benefits for businesses including increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and higher staff retention rates.
What does wellness in the workplace mean?
Workplace wellness can mean different things to different people. For some, it may be simply having a workplace that is designed in a way that promotes healthy habits and positive attitudes. For others, it may be more about having a workplace that focuses on employee wellbeing and provides opportunities for employees to improve their physical, emotional, and psychological health.
None the less, there are some key things to keep in mind when creating a healthy workplace. First, workplace wellness should be tailored to the individual. What works for one employee may not work for another, so it’s important to find ways to accommodate everyone’s needs. Second, workplace wellness should be holistic. It should encompass physical, emotional, and psychological health, as well as work-life balance. And lastly, workplace wellbeing should be ongoing. It’s not something that can be implemented once and forgotten about; it requires regular attention and maintenance.
Why is workplace wellness important?
The workplace is where we spend a majority of our time, and it’s important to make sure that it’s a healthy and positive environment. While workplace wellbeing can mean different things, generally it will relate to the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees. There are many benefits to promoting workplace wellness, including:
- Increased productivity: When employees feel good physically and mentally, they’re able to work more efficiently.
- Reduced absenteeism: Healthy employees are less likely to call in sick or take time off from work.
- Higher staff retention rates: Employees who feel good in their workplace are more likely to stay with their company for longer.
How do you build a healthy office space?
There are many ways to promote workplace wellness, and it doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Some simple tips include:
- Creating a wellness policy: This can outline the company’s stance on workplace wellbeing and provide guidance on how employees can improve their health.
- Offering health and fitness programs: These can be inexpensive or free for employees and can help them get active and stay healthy.
- Encouraging healthy eating habits: This can be as simple as providing fruit and vegetables at meetings or having a “no junk food” policy.
- Promoting positive mental health: This includes things like providing stress management courses or encouraging employees to talk about their feelings.
While an increasing number of employees desire a work-life balance, you don’t have to go all out and create the most people-oriented workspace possible. But a healthy office design does go a long way in reducing stress levels, which ultimately increases productivity.
Link between office lighting and workplace wellness
There is a growing body of evidence linking workplace wellness with office lighting. In fact, one study published in the journal Ergonomics found that workplace lighting can play a significant role in workplace wellbeing.
The study found that workers who had access to natural light felt more satisfied with their work and had better mental health than those who did not have access to natural light. In addition, workers who had access to natural light were more productive and made fewer mistakes than those who did not have access to natural light.
These findings suggest that businesses should make sure that their employees have access to natural light, and that they should also use bright lighting in the workplace in order to improve workplace wellness.
Why is colour important in offices?
The use of colour can play a big role in workplace productivity. Studies have shown that different colours can stimulate different parts of the brain and affect moods and emotions. Blue is often thought to be the most calming colour, while red is seen as more stimulating. When it comes to offices, it’s important to use colours that are both productive and calming. Too much stimulation can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, while too much calm can lead to boredom and lack of motivation. By using the right mix of colours in your office, you can help create a workplace that is both healthy and productive.
Murals that inspire workplace wellness
One way to improve workplace wellness is by incorporating murals into the office design. Murals can inspire employees and promote positive attitudes towards work. They can also help to create a sense of community in the workplace. There are many different types of murals that can be used in the office, and it’s important to choose one that will resonate with your employees.
Some popular mural designs that can promote wellbeing include nature scenes, cityscapes, and landscapes. These types of murals can help to create a relaxing and inspiring environment in the office. They can also remind employees of the importance of taking breaks and enjoying nature. If your office is located in a busy city, a cityscape mural can help employees feel connected to their surroundings.
If you’re looking for a more colourful and fun option, consider using murals that feature various patterns and designs. These types of murals can help to brighten up the office and boost morale. They can also be used to communicate company values and goals.
When choosing a mural for your office, it’s important to consider the needs of your employees. Be sure to choose a design that is visually appealing and inspiring. If possible, choose a design that reflects the culture of your company or the location of your office.
Promote movement at all costs
When it comes to workplace wellness, promoting movement is key. This can include initiatives such as offering workplace fitness classes or setting up walking group. The goal is to get employees up and moving throughout the day. Not is this good for their physical health, but it also has benefits for their mental wellbeing. Movement can help improve moods, increase energy levels, and reduce stress levels. So if you’re looking to promote workplace wellness, start by encouraging movement.
Ultimately, creating office spaces with wellness in mind can benefit both companies and their employees. It can reduce sick days, motivate staff, increase their productivity, increase employee satisfaction and retain top talent. How can your office design benefit your company?
